After your baby is born it may seem like you’ll never EVER leave the house again. You will though. You may, if you’re lucky, get to finish an entire espresso and round of gossip with a girlfriend. Babies can totally go outside with you, go to the coffee shop, and even on a lunch date. Here are some tips heavy on the flexible.
Plan ahead time wise: If you’re meeting a friend for lunch and think you should get ready at 11 to go, start getting ready 1/2 hour before that. You’ll need the extra time. During those first outings with your baby there’s always something - a diaper that needs changed, a last minute panic attack about rechecking the stock of your diaper bag, or a crying fit.
Know that your baby might be the worst date ever: Sometimes your baby will freak when you’re out. It’s not you. It’s not him. It’s just a baby deal. Be flexible about calling the date over if your baby is flipping out. You might want to try a chill meeting place because one thing that tends to freak babies is too much stimulation.
Do a lot before you leave: Change that baby (more than once), feed him, burp him, and then leave. If you time it right he may sleep through an entire short outing.
Get out NOW: The best time ever to get out with your new baby is when he’s, well, a new baby. It’s much harder to plan, keep, and have fun at a lunch date once your baby is mobile and smart enough to be bored sitting in his stroller.
